"Momma why can we see the moon during the day?" I love these questions from my girls. Remembering and discovery of the answers together is an adventure all its own. I've been thinking so much on what it means to be a teacher.

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle

teachers

Often I stay up at night thinking about these three little ones. I feel a great responsibility in raising girls and wondering if I am equipped to teach and show them all they need to know to live and thrive in our ever changing, complex world. I am also keenly aware of how they are some of my greatest teachers.

This reading resonated with me on the subject of teachers:

Tales told about the stars reflect a lot about the people who tell them. The constellation now called Orion was once called Hippolyta. Hippolyta was one of the Amazon queens. The Amazons were women warriors who had four leaders instead of one: two older women and two younger women. Everyone could benefit from the experience and wisdom of the older and the strength and vigor of the younger.

After Hippolyta died, they named this constellation for her to honor her and remind themselves of her wisdom and bravery.

We can draw a good lesson from the value the Amazons placed on the contribution each one could make, no matter how young or old. When we remain alert to the possibility of learning from people we hadn't seriously considered as teachers, we are reminded of our often forgotten value to others.

What can I offer in wisdom or strength to others today?
—From Today's Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.

* Feather crowns

dreams

I have been having so many vivid dreams lately. I wonder if it is the influence of the lunar new year, the new moon or because of the change in my sleep cycle. I am trying to wake up at 5 AM so that I have some time to myself to meditate, reflect and plan our busy days before everyone else is awake. I was inspired by my sister to try miracle morning. I was skeptical at first but it is really working! Some of the (still early) benefits are: I feel much calmer throughout the day, focused and incredibly purposeful.

We made some dreamcatchers here at the beach and from what I understand dreamcatchers were created by Native American mothers and grandmothers who would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The dreamcatcher is meant to filter out all bad dreams and only allow good thoughts to enter the mind. Once the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear. We made two, this first one was made before we learned how to make the  "web" design.

Sweet Dreams!

valentine delivery

We made some valentines based on the origami heart. The plan was to deliver our hearts around the neighborhood to friends and acquaintances.  We had one delivery to an acquaintance that brought tears to his eyes, he was clearly moved and then I found this beautiful quote that moved me and felt fitting for the day.

One purpose for our lives is to assure others of their importance to the life pattern that captures us all. And when each of us is committed to that purpose, both the fear and the reality of human failure will be erased.
—from Worthy of Love by Karen Casey 

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perspective

“As with expeditions into the wilds when we have endured storms and rapids, cold and sleet, and sometimes lack of food, it is ultimately the good things we remember, not the bad.”

—Sigurd F. Olson

This quote came to me today and felt spot on. It is most difficult to have perspective when in the middle of a storm. These are photos of us exploring Bainbridge Island Washington over the summer. When I took these I was stressed and excited waiting for my husband to finish packing and travel across the country to meet us so we could settle down and explore new possibilities. I had been watching all three girls by myself for close to a month and it was wearing me out. When I look at these photos I see and remember the incredible nature we were surrounded by during that time and those mountains! When I saw the mountains they always calmed my anxious spirit and put things into perspective.

I find a daily gratitude to really help especially during tough times. And getting out into nature really eases my mind. Do you have habits or rituals that help support you when you are in times of trouble or just in general?

the sky

I have been privy to some amazing skies over the past 6 months. The sky in the Pacific Northwest is amazing! It is constantly changing and shifting with the clouds and the light and the wind blowing everything around the mountains. Then driving across the country through the high plains where the sky goes on and on forever in the clearest, cleanest blue I have ever seen.  I am inspired by the sky it connects me directly to spirit and higher power and reminds me of something larger that connects us all. What inspires you?

I included this painting called "Shelter" by talented artist Shawn Dulaney.

Also this image of a woman in a beautiful blue flowing dress- the wind in her hair. The texture and colors. . . gorgeous.

gratitude

Gratitude this morning

Sleep

Friends in NYC

Ice cream

My family

The moon

This full snow moon is in the sign of Leo which is my sign! It is calling on us to be our authentic selves- I am hoping I can tap into this energy moving forward and we danced in the moonlight at the beach last night to celebrate and absorb as much moonshine as we could  ~more here: mysticmama